Margaret Schmidt will take over as editor of The Jersey Journal on Aug. 1, publisher Kenneth Whitfield announced to the staff yesterday afternoon.

Schmidt, currently managing editor, will replace longtime editor Judith Locorriere, who is leaving at the end of the month to join NJ Advance Media.

"Margaret has worked closely with Judy for many years and together they have been responsible for the editorial department's top-notch, award-winning coverage," Whitfield said. "I am confident Margaret will be a terrific editor."

Locorriere, who has been with the Journal for 37 years, will join the local news team of the new company in September as a senior managing producer.

"Judy's leadership, experience and ability to transform her newsroom these past few years were immensely attractive to us as we put together our leadership team," Kevin Whitmer, vice president of content at NJ Advance Media, said.

NJ Advance Media began offering sales and marketing services for The Star-Ledger and its sister publications and NJ.com in June. It will begin providing news, photos, videos, features and other content in September.

"While this was a difficult decision for me because of my love for the Journal," Locorriere said, "I know I am leaving the newspaper and our readers in very capable hands.

"Margaret has been a large part of the Journal's commitment to our communities and the success of our local coverage online and in print."

Born and raised in Jersey City, Schmidt joined the editorial department as an intern in 1981. She served as night city editor, life editor and Gold Coast editor before being named managing editor in 1996.

"It's a privilege to serve the Hudson County community in my new role," Schmidt said. "And I am particularly honored to follow in Judy's footsteps; her passion, leadership and integrity set high standards.

"The Jersey Journal is the paper we both love and grew up with, and our online component has become an exciting new avenue for our talented team to inform and celebrate our community. I look forward to continuing that mission."

Schmidt, a Montclair resident, is vice president of the board of WomenRising and a past member of the board of trustees of St. Dominic Academy, both in Jersey City, and is an adjunct journalism professor at Felician College in Rutherford. She is a graduate of Fordham University and has a graduate degree in Journalism from New York University.